Andy Jassy, the CEO of Amazon, is reportedly seeking explanations for the high production costs associated with certain shows, with the Priyanka Chopra and Richard Madden-led series ‘Citadel’ topping his list. Despite a budget of over $250 million (Rs 2000 crore), the spy series has faced significant criticism and only lukewarm audience response.
Citadel’s Underwhelming Performance Sparks Inquiry
A recent Bloomberg report suggests that Jassy has demanded a comprehensive budget breakdown for Amazon’s high-profile shows, many of which have seemingly underperformed. Amid Amazon’s preparation for substantial layoffs and project terminations, the enquiry comes at a pivotal time, particularly as ‘Citadel’ has been at the centre of substantial creative alterations and an escalated budget.
The Troublesome Performance of Amazon’s High-Budget Shows
It’s not just ‘Citadel’ facing the heat. Despite Amazon sinking significant funds into series like ‘Daisy Jones & The Six’, ‘The Power’, ‘Dead Ringers’, ‘The Peripheral’, and the high-budget ‘Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power’, none of these have secured a position in Nielsen’s top 10 ranking of the most-viewed shows in the US. The inquiry by Jassy may be a hint towards Amazon’s reevaluation of its current big-budget strategy.
Citadel: A Business Proposition More Than a Creative Project?
According to the report, even loyal supporters of Amazon Studios chief Jen Salke admit that ‘Citadel’ started more as a business venture than a creative endeavor. The drama series, which originally had an estimated cost of $20 million per episode for an eight-episode run, ultimately aired only six. As Amazon prepares for the second season of the show, it seems the lessons from ‘Citadel’s’ first season are being kept in mind with Joe Russo appointed as the director for each episode of the new season.
In conclusion, the production struggles and viewer response to ‘Citadel’ have certainly ignited a discussion within Amazon about its high-budget productions and their returns, questioning whether a more balanced approach between business goals and creative ambition is required.
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